“We’ve had dialogue about it,” Schneider said. “Marshawn is trying to figure things out, the Raiders are trying to figure things out. My understanding is that if he would want to come back and play, that it would be for the Raiders and that would be it.”

Apparently, that’s not it, if the Patriots are now an option.

Lynch was both a player and fan favorite but at times was a royal pain for the front office and coaching staff. He was one of a select few players who was seemingly given his own set of rules, a dangerous proposition in any locker room. This, along with his age, salary and recent injury issues, help clarify why the Seahawks would not welcome back Lynch to the roster.

As for Lynch himself, it’s anyone’s guess. It makes sense that he would come out of retirement as a grand finale of sorts playing for his hometown team. With the Patriots apparently in the picture, Lynch clearly misses the game.

Any Lynch return to football will require some technical gymnastics, as he is still the “property” of the Seahawks.